Callaway Diablo Edge irons
By Dominic Pedler - July 2010

We first mentioned the new Callaway Diablo range in our Munich report, and having since raved about the metalwoods we've now had more time to test the irons.

When debuting the original Diablo irons, two years ago, Callaway tested the water with a Europe-only launch which proved so successful that this impressive follow-up is for global consumption.

The updated model is the result of a year of research into the impact dynamics which revealed important findings on the typical clubface/ball contact characteristics of high-handicappers. With many of these golfers hitting the ball far lower in the face than previously thought, the engineers have dropped the centre of gravity some 50% lower than even of some the previous models of traditionally ultraforgiving Big Bertha irons.

There's also been considerable extra work on the sole, which is now far wider – yet with a carefully beveled leading edge to prevent those of us with a steeper angle of descent from hitting it fat. Aesthetically, this unusual sole shape wraps around the clubhead slightly at the heel end to hide part of the rear cavity and give the irons a unique look.

In practice, the Diablo Edge irons seems to bear out Callaway's claim that they are the company's “longest hitting stainless steel irons, ever”. Although we were as impressed with the control and dispersion, no doubt helped by the company's core technologies of Variable Face Thickness, a truncated 'weight saving' hosel, a 360-degree undercut cavity and the stabilizing 'Tru-Bore' shaft connection – all admittedly found on other Callaway models but which continue to work together to maximise distance, feel and playability.

A neat touch is that the clubs are available in multiple-set options including, for example, with two matching Diablo Edge hybrids at the long end. Guide prices: £549 (steel)/£649 (graphite).

More information at www.callawaygolf.com